One More Test Before Start Of Ivy League Play

Sep 18, 2006

Sept. 18, 2006

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Ivy League season kicks off Saturday when Princeton visits Reese Stadium, but the Bulldogs can't focus on the Tigers just yet. First, they must deal with a tough Fairleigh Dicksinson team that was ranked 17th last week in the NSCAA national poll.

Yale travels to New Jersey to meet the Knights on Wednesday at 4 p.m., and the game provides the Bulldogs one more opportunity to fine tune their game before the start of league play.

"We are starting to play better but are still a little inconsistent in key moments at both ends of the field," said Yale head coach Brian Tompkins. "Our goal will be to start putting things together for longer periods and taking control of games."

Yale (2-3-1) returned from Nebraska on Sunday night and will be playing its third straight game away from home. Yale tied Drake 1-1 last Friday before falling to Creighton 3-0 on Sunday.

"Being on the road can have a positive bonding effect on a team, and I was pleased with the way our team focused and directed its energy this past weekend," Tompkins said. "The experience is invaluable for us as we begin our Ivy season which will feature four tough road games."

Gage Hills was named to the Ivy League Honor Roll on Monday. Hills scored the tying goal with 59 seconds left in the second half against Drake. He leads the team in scoring with nine points (4 goals, 1 assist).

Fairleigh Dickinson (3-2-2) has allowed only three goals in its first seven games and played a scoreless tie with Creighton on Sept. 3 in Omaha. Alejandro Bedoya leads the team in scoring with seven points (3 goals, 1 assist). Jorge Blacido has two goals and one assist. Elvir Prasovic (0.00 GAA) and Tomer Chencinski (0.69 GAA) have each seen time in goal.

"FDU is a strong team with talent and experience," Tompkins said. "They are always a difficult defensive opponent, and we will need to capitalize on our chances if we are to take a result on Wednesday."